'Lighting up the future' for Agent Orange victims

This is an activity to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Agent Orange disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 - August 10, 2024), the Day for Agent Orange Victims (August 10) and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (2004 - 2024). The program was broadcast live on the Vietnam National Defense Television Channel; and rebroadcast on many local radio and television stations across the country.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, said that the consequences of Agent Orange/Dioxin caused by the US in Vietnam are still very severe and long-lasting. Many families have 3-4 children affected by Agent Orange, and all year round they only hear screams. Agent Orange victims are the poorest of the poor, the most miserable of the miserable. Most victims and families of Agent Orange victims still face many difficulties, both material and spiritual, so they need the joint efforts of the whole society, the support of international friends to heal the wounds of war, and ease the pain of Agent Orange. Every help and sharing is a great contribution so that no Agent Orange victim in the country is left behind.

Through reports and exchange programs with characters who are victims and families of Agent Orange victims, the "Lighting up the Future" Art Exchange Program brings viewers the most realistic view of the severe consequences of toxic chemicals during the war in Vietnam; affirming the attention and efforts of the Party, the State, the political system, the staff and the Association at all levels, along with the support and assistance of the people, philanthropists in the country, and international friends in the work of overcoming the consequences of toxic chemicals, caring for and fighting for justice for Agent Orange victims, especially effectively supporting the livelihoods of victims and their families.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dan, from Quang Xuong district, Thanh Hoa province, shared: “I gave birth to 4 children but all 4 were infected with Agent Orange, my children did not learn to walk until they were 7 years old. For more than 40 years, my husband and I have taken turns taking care of our children, they are often sick, many times people advised me to send them to social protection centers but I did not want to. Although my children are not whole, they are still my blood. My biggest wish is to have good health to take care of my children because without their parents, I do not know what would happen to them."

During 10 years (1961 - 1971), the US military sprayed about 80 million liters of toxic chemicals, 61% of which was Agent Orange, containing 366 kg of dioxin, in South Vietnam, causing catastrophic consequences for the environment and human health, exposing over 4.8 million Vietnamese people, of whom more than 3 million were victims, with severe consequences and lingering pain through many generations. Currently, the consequences of Agent Orange have been passed on to the 4th generation.

The program is also an opportunity to review the traditions and achievements of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin over the past 20 years; to commend and express gratitude to exemplary association officials; victims who have overcome difficulties to have stable lives; and organizations and individuals at home and abroad who have shared, accompanied, and joined hands to ease the pain of Agent Orange.

At the program, the Organizing Committee received support from organizations, individuals, television audiences nationwide, and international friends to join hands to contribute and help victims of Agent Orange. The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin mobilized support for victims of Agent Orange through 2 forms: scanning QR code/transferring support to account number 1961 at MB Military Bank, account holder of the Vietnam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin; scanning QR code to support via VTC e-Wallet.